REACTOR KINETICS
DOE-HDBK-1019/2-93
Reactor Theory (Reactor Operations)
NP-04
Rev. 0
Page 10
REACTOR KINETICS
The response of neutron flux and reactor power to changes in reactivity is much
different in a critical reactor than in a subcritical reactor. The reliance of the chain
reaction on delayed neutrons makes the rate of change of reactor power
controllable.
EO 2.1
DEFINE the following terms:
a.
Reactor period
b.
Doubling time
c.
Reactor startup rate
EO 2.2
DESCRIBE the relationship between the delayed neutron
fraction, average delayed neutron fraction, and effective delayed
neutron fraction.
EO 2.3
WRITE the period equation and IDENTIFY each symbol.
EO 2.4
Given the reactivity of the core and values for the effective
average delayed neutron fraction and decay constant,
CALCULATE the reactor period and the startup rate.
EO 2.5
Given the initial power level and either the doubling or halving
time, CALCULATE the power at any later time.
EO 2.6
Given the initial power level and the reactor period,
CALCULATE the power at any later time.
EO 2.7
EXPLAIN what is meant by the terms prompt drop and
prompt jump.
EO 2.8
DEFINE the term prompt critical.
EO 2.9
DESCRIBE reactor behavior during the prompt critical
condition.
EO 2.10
EXPLAIN the use of measuring reactivity in units of dollars.
